Flexible wrap kit and methods

ABSTRACT

Flexible wrap kits comprise a flexible film and an adhesive component wherein the adhesive component is adapted for application to the flexible film or an article for adhering the flexible film and the article upon contact therebetween, and wherein the kits are suitable for use in methods for adhering an article with the flexible film. In specific embodiments, the flexible film comprises plastic films, wax papers or metallic foil wraps.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 60/343,282, filed Oct. 26, 2001.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention is directed to flexible wrap kits andmethods for adhering an article with the same. More specifically, thepresent invention relates to flexible wrap kits comprising a flexiblefilm and an adhesive component.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Over a number of years, flexible plastic film wrappings havebecome increasingly popular with many consumers, particularly forpreserving and storing food-related products. A substantial part of thispopularity can be attributed to the desirable properties associated withthe wrappings. More particularly, most flexible plastic film wrappingsallow consumers to preserve or store products for extended periods oftime while exhibiting low levels of water vapor transmission, highlevels of oxygen permeability, and resistance to chemical and mechanicaldeterioration and temperature fluctuation. However, despite the aboveadvantages, formulating flexible plastic film wrappings having superioradherence, clinging and/or sealing properties has been difficult.

[0004] Accordingly, there is a desire for providing an improvedadherence and/or seal between flexible plastic film wrappings andstorage articles. Additionally, it is desirable for these improvementsto be applicable to the safe storage of food.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to plasticwrap kits comprising: (a) a flexible plastic film; and (b) an adhesivecomponent; wherein the adhesive component is adapted for application tothe flexible plastic film or an article for adhering the flexibleplastic film and the article upon contact therebetween.

[0006] In a further embodiment, the invention is directed to kitscomprising: (a) an adhesive component; and (b) instructions for applyingthe adhesive component to a flexible plastic film or an article foradhering the flexible plastic film and the article upon contacttherebetween.

[0007] In another embodiment, the invention is directed to plastic wrapkits comprising (a) a flexible plastic film; and (b) instructions forapplying an adhesive component to the flexible plastic film or anarticle for adhering the flexible plastic film and an article uponcontact therebetween.

[0008] In still further embodiments, the invention is directed tomethods for adhering an article with the plastic wrap kits describedherein, the methods comprising coating an area of at least one of thearticle and the flexible plastic film with an adhesive component; andcontacting the article with the flexible plastic film at the coated areato form an adherence between the flexible plastic film and the article.

[0009] Accordingly, the present invention provides novel plastic wrapkits and methods for adhering an article with such plastic wrap kitswhich overcome one or more disadvantages of the prior art.

[0010] These and additional objects, advantages and novel features ofthe present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the artfrom the following detailed description, which is simply, by way ofillustration, various modes contemplated for carrying out the invention.As will be realized, the invention is capable of other different obviousaspects all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, thedrawings and specification are illustrative in nature and notrestrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] While the specification concludes with claims particularlypointing out and distinctly claiming the present invention, it isbelieved that the same will be further understood from the followingdescription taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings inwhich:

[0012]FIG. 1 depicts a schematic view of a first embodiment of apackaged kit according to the invention and comprising a roll offlexible plastic film and an adhesive component stored within the coreof the roll;

[0013]FIG. 2 depicts a schematic view of the roll and the adhesivecomponent stored therein, as shown in FIG. 1, removed from the packageshown in FIG. 1;

[0014]FIG. 3 depicts a schematic view of an adhesive component providedin stick form according to the invention and provided with a firstembodiment of an application guiding device in the form of a v-notchguide;

[0015]FIG. 4a depicts a schematic view of a tube of an adhesivecomponent according to the invention and provided with a secondembodiment of an application guiding device in the form of an edgeguide;

[0016]FIG. 4b depicts a schematic view of a tube of an adhesivecomponent according to the invention and provided with a thirdembodiment of an application guiding device in the form of a flexibletip grip guide;

[0017]FIG. 5a depicts a schematic view of a stack of individuallypackaged adhesive wipes according to the invention;

[0018]FIG. 5b depicts a schematic view of a packaged adhesive wiperemoved from a stack as shown in FIG. 5a; and

[0019]FIG. 6 depicts a schematic view of a packaged press-on adhesiveaccording to the invention and comprising a peelable backing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] The present invention is directed to plastic wrap kits andmethods of using such kits. More particularly, the plastic wrap kitscomprise a flexible plastic film, an adhesive component and optionallyinstructions for use of the kit. In one embodiment, the kits are usedfor the storage of food products.

[0021] As used herein, “comprising” means that other steps andingredients can be added. This term encompasses the terms “consistingof” and “consisting essentially of”. The phrase “consisting essentiallyof” means that the kits may include additional ingredients, but only ifthe additional ingredients do not materially alter the basic and novelcharacteristics of the claimed kits or methods.

[0022] As used herein, “kit” refers generally to a set of articles orimplements which may be used in conjunction with one another to achievea specific purpose. The kits according to the present invention aredirected specifically to plastic wrap kits. In one embodiment, theplastic wrap kits comprise the combination of one or more of a varietyof conventional plastic wrap products and one or more of a variety ofadhesives wherein an improved adherence is desired between the flexibleplastic film and an article to be adhered by such films. As will bedescribed in further detail below, in one embodiment, the plastic wrapkits of the invention comprise a flexible plastic film and an adhesivecomponent wherein the adhesive component is adapted for application tothe flexible plastic film or an article for adhering the flexibleplastic film and the article upon contact therebetween. In an alternateembodiment, the plastic wrap kits of the invention comprise a flexibleplastic film arranged on a roll; a food safe adhesive component providedin stick form; and instructions for use of the kit. These embodimentsare described in further detail below.

[0023] Flexible Plastic Film

[0024] The plastic wrap kits of the present invention comprise aflexible plastic film. As used herein, “flexible plastic film” refersgenerally to a bendable, wrappable plastic sheet of material which iscomparatively thin in relation to its breadth and width and is usedprimarily for packaging, preserving and/or storing articles in solid,semi-solid and/or liquid form.

[0025] Various materials and compositions, particularly polymericcompounds, are useful for the manufacture of the flexible plastic filmsaccording to the present invention. As used herein, “polymer” refersgenerally to naturally occurring or synthetic based compounds consistingof large molecules made up of a linked series of repeated simplemonomers. Furthermore, it should be understood that “polymer” isintended to encompass any homopolymers and/or copolymers of theindicated monomers or compositions, and/or blends of such polymers.Specific polymers capable of forming the flexible plastic films include,but are not limited to, polymers selected from the group consisting ofpolyethylenes (PE), polypropylenes (PP), polystyrenes (PS), polyvinylchlorides (PVC), polyvinylidene chlorides (PVDC), polyvinyl acetates(PVAC), polyamides, including nylons, polyesters and mixtures thereof.In a specific embodiment, the plastic wrap is formed, at least in part,of a vinylidene chloride-vinyl chloride copolymer.

[0026] The flexible plastic films according to the present invention mayfurther comprise one or more additional components to enhance thecharacteristics of the product. For instance, in a specific embodimentthe flexible plastic film further comprises an additional componentselected from the group consisting of aliphatic hydrocarbons, olefinichydrocarbons, plasticizers, antioxidants, mold release agents,processing aids, ultraviolet light stabilizers, additives, colorants,heat stabilizers, gel scrubbing agents, organic fillers, inorganicfillers and mixtures thereof.

[0027] Additionally, the flexible plastic films of the present inventionmay comprise a cling additive. There are numerous cling additives wellknown in the art to provide the cling characteristic of polymeric films.Some of these cling additives include, but are not limited to, glycerol,mono- or di-oleate, glycerol isostearate, polyisobutylene, polyethyleneoil, low molecular weight polyethylene, low molecular weight ethylenevinyl acetate, polypropylene glycol, fatty esters and vegetable oils.

[0028] The flexible plastic films will typically have an averagethickness of from about 0.1 mil to about 10 mil, although one skilled inthe art will appreciate that flexible plastic films having a thicknessoutside of this range may also be suitable for providing the desiredplastic wrap kits. In a more specific embodiment, the flexible plasticfilms have a thickness of from about 0.2 mil to about 3 mil, preferablyfrom about 0.2 mil to about 2 mil, more preferably from about 0.3 mil toabout 2 mil.

[0029] One skilled in the art will appreciate that the flexible plasticwraps of the present invention may comprise a monolayer, or,alternatively, may comprise multiple layers. Thus, for example, a firstflexible plastic film layer comprising one or more polymers may be usedtogether with a second flexible plastic film containing one or morepolymers. Furthermore, these films can be prepared by any conventionalprocess, and their properties designed to accommodate any particular enduse. Typically, the plastic films are provided in roll form on acardboard tube. However, the plastic wraps may easily be provided in anyof a variety of other forms, including precut sheet form or the like.Additionally, it should be understood that the flexible plastic films asdescribed are exemplary only and those skilled in the art will recognizeother films and materials are suitable for manufacturing the kits of thepresent invention. For instance, one skilled in the art will appreciatethat similar food wrap materials including, but not limited to, waxpapers, metallic foil wraps (such as aluminum foil) and other food wrapmaterials may be formulated according to the present invention withoutdeparting from the spirit of the invention.

[0030] Adhesive Component

[0031] The plastic wrap kits of the present invention also comprise anadhesive component in addition to the flexible plastic film. As usedherein, “adhesive component” refers generally to a sticky, tenacioussubstance that unites, bonds or adheres two surfaces together. It shouldbe understood that the adhesive components of the present invention maycomprise natural or synthetic adhesives and may be prepackaged eithertogether or independently from the flexible plastic film.

[0032] Adhesive components suitable for use in the present inventioninclude, but are not limited to animal glue, casein glue, blood albumenglue, starch, dextrin, natural gum or a mixture thereof. Other usefuladhesive components include, but are not limited to contact cement,structural adhesive, hot-melt adhesive, pressure-sensitive adhesive,ultraviolet-cured adhesive, permanent adhesive, temporary adhesive,semi-permanent adhesive, solvent-based adhesive, water-based adhesive,waterborne adhesive, electronic beam (e-beam) adhesive, two-partadhesive, two-part reactive adhesive, peelable adhesive, refastenableadhesive, resealable adhesive or mixtures thereof. Furthermore, inspecific embodiments, the adhesive components may be provided in theform of a food safe adhesive component, particularly wherein the kit isa food storage wrap product.

[0033] The adhesive components of the present invention are intended tobe compatible with both the flexible plastic film as well as the articledesired to be adhered by the film. Accordingly, the adhesive componentsare not intended to be limited to any given adhering situation. Forinstance, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the presentadhesive components may create either a temporary, permanent orsemi-permanent adherence and that they may adhere to a variety ofmaterials. Some of the materials appropriate for adherence according tothe present invention include, but are not limited to, glass, wood,plastic, metal, ceramic, paper and any other materials commonly usedaround the kitchen and/or home. Furthermore, the adhesive components areintended to be applicable to a variety of environmental conditionsand/or temperatures. For instance, the adhesive components are notlimited to any given wet, dry, hot or cold application. Similarly, twoor more adhesive components may also be applied together to accommodatevarying conditions.

[0034] In one specific embodiment, an adhesive component comprises aflexible plastic film, a first adhesive and a second adhesive. Accordingto a further embodiment, the first adhesive is adapted for adheringunder a first specific condition, and the second adhesive is adapted foradhering under a second specific condition. In one exemplary embodiment,for instance, the first adhesive is adapted for adhering under a hotcondition and the second adhesive is adapted for adhering under a coldcondition. In another exemplary embodiment, the first adhesive isadapted for adhering under a moist condition and the second adhesive isadapted for adhering under a dry condition. In yet another exemplaryembodiment, the first adhesive is aqueous based and adapted for adheringunder conditions wherein an aqueous based adhesive is effective, whilethe second adhesive is oil based and adapted for adhering underconditions wherein an oil-based adhesive is effective. According to thepresent embodiments, the first adhesive and the second adhesive may beprovided in a single composition, for example to form a heterogeneousmixture. As used herein, “single composition” is intended to encompassany combination of necessary parts or elements which together provide awhole substance and which may exist in a form such as, but not limitedto, a mixture, a layering of components, an intermixing of ingredientsand the like. Alternatively, the first adhesive and the second adhesivemay be packaged apart from one another. Additionally, it is envisionedthat color coding of the first adhesive and the second adhesive may bedesired when more than one adhesive component is utilized according tothe present invention. For instance, it may be desirable to individuallyassign the first and second adhesive component, and/or their respectivepackages, a specific color designation which the user can identify priorto using such component. According to this embodiment, the user will beable to easily identify which given adhesive is appropriate for thespecific adhering activity by matching the color of the component and/orpackage with a predetermined color coding instruction guide or othersimilar identification device.

[0035] In one embodiment, the adhesive component is adapted to providethe flexible plastic film with a semi-permanent adherence and/or bond toa surface. In this embodiment, the adhesive component is adapted toadhere the flexible plastic film to, for example, a glass surface suchas the rim of a glass bowl, with a bond sufficiently strong to resistunsealing of the flexible plastic film and to prevent the contents ofthe bowl from breaking the adherence if the bowl is tipped oroverturned, yet sufficiently weak to allow removal of the flexibleplastic film from the surface by firm pulling by the consumer when sodesired. More particularly, the flexible plastic films of the presentinvention are designed to exhibit an adhesion property sufficient tosurvive the likely degree of handling the adhered article or enclosedcontainer is likely to encounter in use while maintaining the desiredlevel of adherence with the item, with itself, or with the accompanyingsemi-permanently enclosed container such that preservation or storage ofthe targeted item is ensured.

[0036] One way to measure or quantify this adhesion property is in termsof an adhesion peel force value which is preferably measured by PressureSensitive Tape Council Method PSTC-1. According to this method, a12-inch (30.5 cm) by 1-inch (2.5 cm) strip of film is rolled onceagainst a smooth stainless steel surface at a rate of 12 inches (30.5cm) per minute using a 4.5 pound (2.04 kg) roller and then tested ashaving a peak adhesion peel force value ranging from about 1 to about 50ounces/inch (0.012 to 0.600 kg/cm), more preferably from about 1 toabout 2.5 ounces/inch (0.012 to 0.027 kg/cm) of strip width. In general,minimum adhesion which maintains an adherence is desired for a flexibleplastic wrap, so that the wrap is easily peeled open for access to thestored item(s).

[0037] In one embodiment, at least one of the flexible plastic film andthe adhesive component comprises a colorant adapted to provide a visiblecolor expression upon adhering the flexible plastic film to an article.As used herein, “colorant” generally refers to a substance that colorsor modifies the hue of another substance. According to this embodiment,a color expression is provided by the adhesive component once theflexible plastic film is adhered to an article thereby confirming to theuser whether a sufficient adherence has been established. Moreover, infurther embodiments, the flexible plastic film and the adhesivecomponent may each individually comprise a color component whichtogether are adapted to provide a color expression upon adhering theflexible plastic wrap to an article.

[0038] In another embodiment, the adhesive component comprises anencapsulated pigment adapted to provide a visible color expression uponapplication of pressure to the adhesive component. As used herein,“encapsulated pigment” generally refers to an encased or enclosedsubstance of color. More particularly, it is envisioned that uponapplying pressure to the adhesive component, the casing or enclosure isruptured or otherwise altered and a visible color expression will beprovided thereby confirming the sufficiency of the adherence between thearticle and the flexible plastic film. After such application, the usercan visually identify which portions, if any, of the resultant adherenceare lacking sufficient bondage by comparing the areas exemplifying apositive color expression to the areas lacking such a color expression.As used herein, “application of pressure” refers generally to theexertion of force to the desired material.

[0039] Depending on the desired use, the adhesive components of thepresent invention may be dispensed from a variety of devices. Thesedevices include, but are not limited to, sticks, tubes, spray devices,bottles, pens, brushes, sponges and combinations thereof.

[0040] In another embodiment, the plastic wrap kits further compriseinstructions for use of the kit, for example, for achieving an adherencebetween the flexible plastic film and an article. The instructions maycomprise written instructions and/or one or more illustrated nonverbalcues. As used herein, “nonverbal cue” generally refers to acommunication signal without the use of vocabulary. Furthermore, itshould be understood that the instructions are not limited to usesassociated with adhering the flexible plastic film and the article.Alternatively, the instructions may provide optional uses for theplastic film and/or the adhesive component in other embodiments. Itshould be understood that use of the plastic wrap kits disclosed hereinare not limited to any one application. For instance, an adhesivecomponent may be applied to only a portion of an article desired to becovered. Alternatively, a complete application of adhesive may benecessary. In still other embodiments, the application of an adhesivecomponent may be unnecessary altogether. As a result, it should beunderstood that the plastic wrap kits according to the present inventionare intended to be flexible in their nature of application, wherein theindividual user will decide the exact method of application necessaryfor each given situation.

[0041] In one specific embodiment, the plastic wrap kit comprises (a) aflexible plastic film arranged on a roll; (b) a food safe adhesivecomponent provided in stick form; and (c) instructions for use of thekit. This embodiment provides for consumer convenience. In thoseembodiments wherein the adhesive component and the flexible plastic filmare prepackaged together, the packaging can be of any conventionalarrangement. For instance, the adhesive component could be independentlyplaced within the container housing the flexible plastic film.Similarly, the adhesive component could be located within the core of aroll type product or placed within any other void space surrounding orwithin the roll. For instance, the flexible plastic film and adhesivecomponent can be packaged together in a kit such as depicted by FIGS. 1and 2. In accordance with these embodiments, a container 10 made of anysuitable packaging material, for example cardboard, includes a roll 15wrapped with a flexible plastic film 40 (not shown in FIG. 1). A core 35of the roll 15 is adapted to house a stick 20 of an adhesive component.The stick 20 is arranged within the core 35 by a holding piece 25. Thecontainer 10 may optionally be provided with instructions 30 to explainthe use of the components. Furthermore, as depicted in FIG. 2, theadhesive component stick 20, together with the holding piece 25, may beeasily inserted into and removed from the core 35 of the roll 15.

[0042] One skilled in the art, however, will appreciate that otherarrangements of the plastic wrap kit in accordance with the presentinvention may be formulated, as FIGS. 1 and 2 are not intended to belimiting thereof. For instance, the adhesive component may be attachedto the outside of a container housing the flexible plastic film or,alternatively, independently packaged altogether. Additionally, theindividual components of the plastic wrap kits according to the presentinvention may also exist in a variety of product forms. For instance, inone exemplary embodiment, the adhesive component is in the form of aribbon or chain-like structure which may be stored or located within thecore of the plastic wrap roll. The ribbon or chain may, for example,comprise a plurality of individually packaged adhesive portions. In yetanother embodiment, a heterogeneous adhesive bar, or an adhesive barcomprising one or more adhesive strips, is located within the plasticwrap kit in a position such that removal of the flexible plastic filmcauses the film to be coated with the adhesive component. In furtherembodiments, a reservoir of an adhesive component, or a mixture of oneor more adhesive components, is provided and may, for example, belocated within the lid of the kit such that the adhesive component issprayed upon the desired surface of the flexible plastic film upondispensing. As a result, the physical arrangement, as well as theproduct form of the components, namely the flexible plastic film,adhesive component and optionally instructions, according to theinvention, can exist in any arrangement within the kit.

[0043] In still other embodiments, the food wrap kit comprises aflexible food wrap material arranged on a roll, a container housing theflexible food wrap material, and an adhesive component located on asurface of the container. For instance, in one specific embodiment, theadhesive component may be located under a removable opening tab locatedon the surface of the container. Upon a user removing the opening tabduring the initial opening of the container, the adhesive component willbe exposed and thereby available for application onto flexible food wrapmaterials. According to this embodiment, the user may drape the flexiblefood wrap material over the adhesive component and subsequently applypressure (such as with the user's finger) to the wrap material such thatthe material comes into contact with the adhesive component and iscoated with such adhesive.

[0044] In similar embodiments, it is envisioned that one or moreadhesive component may be positioned at various locations upon thesurface of the container such that during the dispensing of the flexiblefood wrap material, the one or more adhesive component is applied topredetermined and specifically targeted locations of the wrap material.For instance, in one specific embodiment, at least two adhesivecomponents may be positioned parallel to each other and at opposite endsof the container. Upon dispensing the flexible food wrap material fromthe container, the adhesive components will independently come intocontact with the wrap material at the corresponding locations positionedadjacent to such components so that the surface of the wrap material iscoated with adhesive. Further according to this embodiment, theapplication of the one or more adhesive component may be applied eitheruniformly or intermittently to the wrap material during the coatingstages, as it should be understood that the physical arrangement of theadhesives on the surface of the container is not intended to be limitingherein. Accordingly, one skilled in the art will appreciate that thesearrangements are exemplary and other arrangements may be formulated andutilized while still keeping with the spirit of the present invention.

[0045] Moreover, the device for dispensing the adhesive component mayfurther comprise an application guiding device, such as depicted byFIGS. 3, 4a and 4 b, for allowing easy and/or controlled application ofadhesive to a surface. According to FIG. 3, for instance, a dispensingdevice for an adhesive component provided in stick form may comprise anotch application guiding device to assist the user in placing theadhesive component on the article to be adhered or on the flexibleplastic film. More particularly, an adhesive stick 50 comprises anadhesive component 45 together with an application guiding device 55 inthe form of a v-notch located in a rim of the stick container. Thev-notch application guiding device 55 is adapted to provide easyapplication of the adhesive component onto a desired surface of anarticle to be adhered or onto the flexible plastic film. According tothis embodiment, a user can adjust the amount of adhesive component 45to be applied to the desired surface by turning a dispenser dial 60 andthen placing the v-notch shaped application guiding device 55 againstthe surface of the desired article to be adhered or the flexible plasticfilm and subsequently guiding the application guiding device 55 alongsuch.

[0046] Similarly, FIGS. 4a and 4 b depict tubes 65 a, 65 b of anadhesive component comprising differing types of application guidingdevices 70 a, 70 b attached to a dispensing tip 75 a, 75 b. Uponapplying pressure to the tube, the adhesive component will exit adispensing hole 80 a, 80 b in the dispensing tip such that theapplication guiding device 70 a, 70 b can be placed against the articleto be adhered or the flexible plastic film for assisting and guidingapplication of the adhesive component. In the embodiment of FIG. 4a,application guiding device 70 a comprises a protrusion on the dispensingtip 75 a, which protrusion will act as a guide for contacting the tipalong a surface to be coated. In the embodiment of FIG. 4b, theapplication guiding device 70 b comprises a pair of flexible tips whichform a grip adapted to grip an edge to which the adhesive is to beapplied. The application guiding devices of FIGS. 3, 4a and 4 b,respectively, may exist in various forms, as the figures are notintended to be limiting thereof. Suitable application guiding devicesinclude, but are not limited to, edge guides, v-notches, trackingdevices, ball devices, flexible tip gripping devices and other guidingdevices adapted to provide easy application of an adhesive component.

[0047] In another embodiment, the adhesive component is provided in theform of a plurality of single use portions. Without being limited bytheory herein, it is envisioned that during some adhesion applicationsit may be possible to contaminate the adhesive component with bacteriaand/or other similar pathogenic material. For instance, during theadhering of meat-related products, it is envisioned that the meat maycome into contact with the surface and/or rim of the container orarticle to be adhered thereby contaminating the item's surface withbacteria. During the application of the adhesive component to the nowcontaminated surface and/or rim, the bacteria or similar pathogenicmaterial may transfer onto the adhesive component thereby placingsubsequent adhesion applications at risk of also becoming contaminated.As a result, it may be desirable to use single use portions of theadhesive component during these or similar applications. According tothis embodiment, the single use portions may comprise a separated layerportion or an individually wrapped portion.

[0048] As depicted by FIG. 5a, for instance, stacked adhesive wipes 85are provided. The stack may be positioned inside or attached to acontainer comprising the flexible plastic wrap for individualapplication of an adhesive component according to the invention. As canbe seen from FIG. 5b, an individual packaged adhesive wipe 90 may beremoved from the stack 85 and an adhesive component layer 100 can beexposed by peeling away a backing material 95. Once the adhesive layeris exposed, the adhesive component may be wiped upon the desired surfaceof the article to be adhered or the flexible plastic film therebylayering the item with the adhesive component 100 for easy adhesion.

[0049] In still other embodiments, a press-on adhesive pack, such as ablister pack, may be included with the plastic wrap kits of the presentinvention. For instance, FIG. 6 depicts an individually packagedpress-on adhesive in accordance with the present invention. An adhesivecomponent 110 is housed within an adhesive pocket 105 and may be exposedupon peeling away a backing material 115 attached to the adhesive pack.Upon removing such backing material 115, the adhesive component 110 isavailable to apply to a desired article to be adhered or the flexibleplastic film by applying pressure or force to the back of the adhesivepocket 105 and thereby forcing the adhesive component 110 to exit theadhesive pack and onto the desired item.

[0050] The invention is further directed to additional kits. Forinstance, in one embodiment the plastic wrap kits comprise (a) aflexible plastic film, and (b) instructions for applying an adhesivecomponent to the flexible plastic film or an article for adhering theflexible plastic film and the article upon contact therebetween. Inanother embodiment, a kit comprises (a) an adhesive component, and (b)instructions for applying the adhesive component to a flexible plasticfilm or an article for adhering the flexible plastic film and thearticle upon contact therebetween. Still other embodiments comprise afood wrap kit comprising (a) a flexible food wrap material; and (b) anadhesive component wherein the adhesive component is adapted forapplication to the flexible food wrap material or an article foradhering the flexible food wrap material and the article upon contacttherebetween. It should be understood, however, that the embodimentsdescribed above are not intended to be limiting thereof.

[0051] Methods for Adhering an Article with a Flexible Plastic Film

[0052] The present invention also relates to methods for adhering anarticle with a flexible plastic film. As used herein, “article” refersgenerally to any substrate to which is desirable to adhere or seal aflexible film, and can include a portion of the flexible film itself. Inone specific embodiment, article refers to a container suitable forstorage. As used herein, “adhere” refers generally to the formation of atemporary, semi-permanent or permanent barrier, seal and/or barricadethat combines or otherwise attaches the surfaces of two respectiveobjects. It should be understood, however, that the kits according tothe present invention can be used to form devices such as pouches,envelops, or bags.

[0053] In one embodiment, methods for adhering an article with aflexible plastic film comprise: (a) coating an area of at least one ofthe article and the flexible plastic film with an adhesive component;and (b) contacting the article with the flexible plastic film at thecoated area to form an adherence between the flexible plastic film andthe article. According to this embodiment, the flexible plastic film andthe adhesive component are prepackaged together in a kit.

[0054] The examples and specific embodiments set forth herein are forillustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope ofthe methods and kits of the invention. Additional methods and kitswithin the scope of the claimed invention will be apparent to one ofordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings set forth herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A plastic wrap kit comprising: (a) a flexibleplastic film; and (b) an adhesive component; wherein the adhesivecomponent is adapted for application to the flexible plastic film or anarticle for adhering the flexible plastic film and the article uponcontact therebetween.
 2. A plastic wrap kit according to claim 1 whereinthe flexible plastic film has a thickness in the range of from about 0.1mil to about 10 mil.
 3. A plastic wrap kit according to claim 1 whereinthe adhesive component comprises a first adhesive and a second adhesive.4. A plastic wrap kit according to claim 3 wherein the first adhesive isadapted for adhering under a hot condition and the second adhesive isadapted for adhering under a cold condition.
 5. A plastic wrap kitaccording to claim 3 wherein the first adhesive is adapted for adheringunder a moist condition and the second adhesive is adapted for adheringunder a dry condition.
 6. A plastic wrap kit according to claim 3wherein the first adhesive and the second adhesive are provided in asingle composition.
 7. A plastic wrap kit according to claim 3 whereinthe first adhesive and the second adhesive are packaged apart from oneanother.
 8. A plastic wrap kit according to claim 1 wherein at least oneof the flexible plastic film and the adhesive component comprises acolorant adapted to provide a visible color expression upon adhering theflexible plastic film to an article.
 9. A plastic wrap kit according toclaim 1 wherein the flexible plastic film and the adhesive componenteach individually comprise a color component which together are adaptedto provide a color expression upon adhering the flexible plastic film toan article.
 10. A plastic wrap kit according to claim 1 wherein theadhesive component further comprises an application guiding device. 11.A plastic wrap kit according to claim 1 wherein the adhesive componentis in the form of a plurality of single use portions.
 12. A plastic wrapkit according to claim 1 wherein the adhesive component is dispensablefrom a device selected from the group consisting of sticks, tubes, spraydevices, bottles, pens, brushes, sponges and combinations thereof.
 13. Aplastic wrap kit according to claim 1 wherein the kit is a food storagewrap product and wherein the adhesive component is a food safe adhesivecomponent.
 14. A plastic wrap kit according to claim 13 wherein theflexible plastic film is arranged on a roll and wherein the food safeadhesive component is provided in stick form.
 15. A plastic wrap kitaccording to claim 1 further comprising instructions for use of the kit,wherein the instructions comprise an illustrated nonverbal cue.
 16. Akit comprising: (a) an adhesive component; and (b) instructions forapplying the adhesive component to a flexible plastic film or an articlefor adhering the flexible plastic film and the article upon contacttherebetween.
 17. A plastic wrap kit comprising: (a) a flexible plasticfilm; and (b) instructions for applying an adhesive component to theflexible plastic film or an article for adhering the flexible plasticfilm and the article upon contact therebetween.
 18. A plastic wrap kitaccording to claim 17 wherein the kit further comprises a containerhousing the flexible plastic film.
 19. A plastic wrap kit according toclaim 18 wherein the kit further comprises an adhesive component andwherein the flexible plastic film is arranged on a roll and the adhesivecomponent is located on a surface of the container.
 20. A method foradhering an article with the plastic wrap kit of claim 1, comprising thesteps of: (a) coating an area of at least one of the article and theflexible plastic film with the adhesive component; and (b) contactingthe article with the flexible plastic film at the coated area to form anadherence between the flexible plastic film and the article.